NYT editorial: ‘It’s Over, Norm. O.K.?’

A special three-judge state panel did not mince words this week when it declared Al Franken the clear winner over Norm Coleman in Minnesota’s fiercely disputed United States Senate race. Reviewing challenges to the painstaking recount following the November election, the judges unanimously found that the “overwhelming weight of the evidence” proved the election was conducted “fairly, impartially and accurately.” Mr. Franken’s 312-vote margin means he is “entitled to receive the certificate of election,” the court concluded.

Unfortunately former Senator Coleman remains in denial, and his fellow Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty is already looking for a way to wriggle out of his responsibility to certify the result.

On election night — when he looked like the winner by a hair — Mr. Coleman grandly warned of the cost of a recount for taxpayers and how Minnesotans would suffer if they were deprived of full Senate representation. Five months later, and now the official loser, Mr. Coleman seems willing to let Minnesotans pay any price to ensure his win and is taking his challenge to the State Supreme Court. Governor Pawlenty says that even if the Minnesota Supreme Court rules for Mr. Franken, he’s not sure he will immediately provide his certification.

(Continued here.)